Anecdotal wisdom says that there are certain foods that might have the potential to help prevent dementia. These include foods that are high in antioxidants, like dark leafy greens, colorful fruits, and some nuts and fish. Regions of the world that are rich in these kinds of diets, such as within the Mediterranean region, tend to see lower instances of Alzheimer’s, but the scientific community has not come to a consensus as to why this is.
Some studies have confirmed that these foods can help, but it’s not universally agreed upon that antioxidants prevent dementia. There is not hard evidence to say that one thing prevents dementia or one thing causes it, but rather it looks like a mixture of factors are involved here. A diet focused on these things might be beneficial for some, but it’s not going to be a silver bullet for everyone.
To be clear, a diet approach to prevention is not going to work 100 percent of the time. Research indicates that this approach might work, but doesn’t guarantee anything. It might work for some, but others might not see the results that they desire. However, a healthy diet over time will lead to other health benefits, including lower body weight, a lesser chance of diabetes, and a reduced risk of heart disease. Even if a prevention-focused diet doesn’t avoid dementia, it will lead to other health benefits. There’s never any harm in eating right.
When a loved one has dementia, finding the right help is important. Memory care is all about making life easier, while keeping those who are struggling with cognitive decline safe and healthy. At this stage in the game, a change in diet isn’t going to prevent further decline–even if it will help with things like heart health. However, the right care team is a lot more important at this point because of a priority of needs. Fostering a place where your loved one can be safe, cared for, and advocated for is important.
A trained professional is always a better choice than someone without training. A professional has the experience and training to deal with the nuances of dementia and for handling the unexpected. If you’re unsure of what training a potential caregiver might have, it’s always okay to ask. After all, this is your family that we’re talking about. You have the obligation to give them the best care, so there’s no harm in asking questions and getting to know the caregivers that you will be working with before they start. In fact, this is the most prudent way to ensure that those you care about are getting the best care possible.
We’re here to help. If you’d like to learn more about memory care and how it might benefit your loved one, please get in touch. One of our trained professionals would be happy to sit down with you and go over how professional care might be beneficial for your family’s unique set of needs in a free consultation sesion. There’s no obligation on your part–the worst that can happen is you walk away with more options and more ideas to help get your family pointed in the best direction for your needs.
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